School Holidays 2024 Wakefield

Summer Holidays Events 2023

Many places are operating pre-bookable ticketed entry only and we advise you to check with the venue / attraction before travelling.

Things to do, places to go, days out with the kids in Summer 2023 school holidays in Wakefield

Summer is finally here… Want a family beach day on your doorstep? Look no further! A Grand Day Out is bringing the sand and sun with FREE family days this August!

Little ones will love the giant sand pit! A perfect opportunity for children to engage in some fun, creative play, it’s time to pick up a bucket and spade and practice sandcastles whilst playing in the sand. Let their imaginations run wild!

Expect funfair rides, facepainting and even free crazy golf… Test your putting skills and go for a hole in one -don’t forget your camera as children and adults alike make lasting memories!

Each Grand Day Out event event will be joined by the Hepworth Wakefield learning team for outdoor creative play. It’s a chance to stack, build, experiment, draw and play with activities inspired by artworks in the gallery.

 

Check out the full list of dates to start planning your summer adventure:

Castleford Town Centre- 11 & 12 August, 10am-4pm

South Elmsall Town Council Social Centre Westfield Lane Recreation Park- 18 & 19 August, 10am-4pm

Wakefield City Centre – 25 & 26 August, 10am-4pm

 

Find out more at https://expwake.co/GrandDayOut

 


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2nd August – 30th August 2023 (every Wednesday)

 

Join us each Wednesday in August at Pontefract Museum as we try to solve some puzzling mysteries linked with the town’s intriguing history!

10am to 3pm

Free – no booking required

 

2 August: The Unusual Ingredient

9 August: The Mysterious Monk

16 August: The Missing Word

23 August: The Unidentified Object

30 August: The Lost Letters

 

Each week solve the mystery and make something to remember your adventure by!

 

5 Salter Row, Pontefract WF8 1BA


01977 722740
museums@wakefield.gov.uk
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Lots of our brilliant baby, toddler and pre-school groups are continuing or running summer holiday specials. We have done a roundup of some of these below, early booking advised as they are likely to be very popular.

Click HERE for the full roundup.


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Bawtry Paintball Fields is Europe’s biggest outdoor activity centre, voted Europe’s Best, and the UK’s highest rated on Trip Advisor with over 1500 5-Star reviews!

Looking for a family day out, an awesome birthday, stag or hen party, or a fantastic team build event – BPF has something for everyone. Our lovely little café serves hot and cold food and drinks, ice cream and slush all day, so you can stay fuelled and relax in one of our picnic areas between activities.

Attracting groups of all ages from 6yrs+, BPF offers a huge variety of outdoor activities in the beautiful 720 acre woodland setting of Bawtry Forest. Activities include; Target and Zombie Archery, outdoor Laser Combat, Rifle Shooting, Tomahawk Axe and Knife Throwing, Junior ‘low-impact’ Paintballing, a 53ft Climbing Wall, Paintball Mini-Tank Battles, a huge Tree-Trek and Zipline Park with 50ft leap-of-faith, and of course regular Paintballing. BPF is also home of the infamous Predator!

Our award-winning paintball and laser combat game zones are like something out of a Hollywood movie. Props include real Lynx, Wessex and Huey helicopters, 42 ex-MOD armoured vehicles, tanks, castles, and a tree-top fortress.

All activities can be booked online at bawtrypaintballfields.co.uk, or call our friendly team on 01302 868841


01302 868841
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26th July- 3rd September 2023

 

Get back to nature during the Summer School Holidays! Our explorer packs are available from reception for those wanting to dig a little deeper into the wildlife trails our tiny island paradise.

As an added extra, track down the animal footprints during the first three weeks of summer and enjoy Birds of Thwaite Bingo in the final three weeks. Learn all about the different birds who frequent our island and get a line or a full house to claim yourself a special prize!

Open Weekends only

 

MORE DETAILS AND BOOKING

 

Read the Mumbler Review of Thwaite Watermill here. 

Thwaite Lane, Leeds LS10 1RP


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We’ve got some brilliant child-friendly bike rides around Wakefield with playgrounds, cafes and duck ponds along the way!

Read our recommendations here

 


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Hop along to Grass Hoppers indoor and outdoor play area at Tong and Tingley Garden Centre for a proper playtime!

You’ll find a huge outdoor adventure playground with sand pits and bouncing pillows and a large indoor play area, with sports court, big play frame and a baby and toddler zone, where your young ones can enjoy playtime – whatever the weather!

There’s also great grub including pizzas, toasties and award winning ice cream in Woody’s Kitchen!

 

For more information and to book your playtime session, CLICK HERE

 

Booking required.  Suitable for babies and toddlers.

 


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From farms, gardens, walks, museums and even ideas for rainy days, we’ll keep you and your family busy this October half term!

Click here to take you to our dedicated Days Out page


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Summer 2023

Meet a Viking at the award-winning JORVIK Viking Centre!

Take the little ones to discover York’s Viking legacy this summer. Hop aboard a time capsule to 10th century York, and take in the sights, sounds and even the smells – including rotting fish and cabbages – of the Viking Age city. There’s even one Viking to spot on the toilet!

Dig deeper into the Viking story of York by getting close-up with a rare collection of 1,000-year-old-artefacts whilst talking to friendly Viking hosts. Did Vikings have summer holidays? Or go on trips to the beach? Chat to the Vikings of Coppergate to find out more!

Silverdale Hoard

If you were a Viking going into battle and needed to hide your silver, what would you do? Bury it!

Uncover one of the largest ever found in the UK – the Silverdale Hoard at JORVIK Viking Centre. How many pieces of silver can you count when you visit?

Pre-booking advised. For ticket prices and opening times please visit the website

 


01904 615505
jorvik@yorkat.co.uk
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EPIC NEWS ALERT- TICKETS NOW LIVE!

Get ready for an AWESOME adventure because MISSION OUT is reopening on SATURDAY 23RD MARCH!

And that’s not all! They’ve got 100% EPIC offers lined up just for YOU!

PLUS! NEW FOR 2024

ADULTS pay ONCE and come back 4 FREE throughout 2024!*

KIDS ANNUAL PASS: For just £39.95, you can play ALL SEASON LONG!*

FAMILY TICKET SPECIAL: The Family Ticket is back and better than ever! Add additional tickets, and you’ll get AN EXTRA 15% off each single ticket. Concessions/max card not applicable*

Don’t miss out on EPIC FAMILY FUN at even better VALUE this season.

 

BOOK HERE

 

Tingley Garden Centre, Thorpe Lane, Tingley, Leeds WF3 1SL


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Summer of Play – 26th July – 3rd September 2023

 

Enjoy the long summer days with an outdoor adventure at Nostell. Join in with our Summer of Play with games and activities, including badminton, hoopla and football. You’ll find the Active Play Stations on the grass in front of the house Wednesday – Sunday between 26 July and 3 September.

During the summer, you can also get creative with bookable activities running in the gardens every Thursday and Friday of the holidays. There’s also lots of room to roam and play in the parkland with den building in Joiner’s Wood, geocaching, kite flying, wildlife spotting, counting butterflies and exploring the cycle trails through the ancient woodland.

Bring your bike along and join in with the Wakefield District Cycle Forum free skills course and maintaince class, every Wednesday during the holidays between 11am and 3pm.

 

Normal admission fees apply

 

Nostell, Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wakefield, WF4 1QE


01924 863892
nostell@nationaltrust.org.uk
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We love getting out and about in the fresh air and exploring the great outdoors with our family!! We bought a National Trust Family Membership when our little boy was sturdy on his feet and it has been used so many times over the last 3 years!

Click here to read our favourite places within 1 hour of Wakefield.

Saturday 22nd July to Sunday 3rd September 2023

 

Join us down of the farm this Summer for a Summer of Adventure! We start the summer with our “Fairies and Trolls” event from Saturday 22nd July to Sunday 6th August.  The Makeover complete, our mystical fairy’s would like to welcome you to their home but watch out for those pesky trolls!  Two shows daily where you can “earn your wings” and come and meet the greet the fairies from our trail!

Next up is our Dino Adventure from Monday 7th August to Sunday 20th August.  Get your little explorers ready for our new Gem Mining and Dino Dig at the beach.  On stage every day there will be “The Rapture Show!” and watch out those Dinosaurs will be wandering around the park doing lots of meet and greets!  Its going to be Rooooarrrrrsome!

Finally we finish our summer of adventure with “Show Time” Fatt Matt and his Lunar Circus are back with wonderful work shops that your little ones can join!  Learn how to juggle, spin plates and lots more!

Throughout the whole summer we will be doing our Animal Encounters sessions daily where you can meet our baby goats, baby chicks, baby piglets and some our bigger animals like our sheep!  We will be holding 6 sessions daily so don’t miss out!  The Maize Maze has gone Jurassic and you will have to find the fossils if you dare!  And of course it would not be summer at Piglets without our daily “Foam Party on The Farm” every day at 4pm – each year it just gets better and better!  Learn the Piglets dance and get ready to cool off at the end of the day!  Just remember to bring a change of clothes!

 

If you want to visit each event then why not take up our Piglets Summer Pass offer!  Visit as many times as you would like over the Summer for only £25 per person.  Valid from Saturday 22nd July to Sunday 3rd September 2023.  Limited availability to get one soon!

 

Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York, YO32 9ST


01904 499183
info@pigletsadventurefarm.com
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31st July – 2nd September 2023

 

Make these summer holidays one to remember and come to Pontefract Castle for a different theme each week!

With free entry, wide open spaces, dark dungeons and heaps of history, there’s fun for all the family.

 

Be a Victorian Historian: Monday 31 July to Saturday 5 August

10am to 3pm each day

Free, no booking required

The Victorians absolutely loved Pontefract Castle! Join us for a trip back in time to the Castle’s Victorian era and discover how they enjoyed promenading and playing in the grounds.

Enjoy crafts, games and lots more!

 

Medieval Melee: Monday 7 August to Saturday 12 August

10am to 3pm each day

Free, no booking required

Join in jousting at our marvellous Medieval Melee week!

Your little Knights, Lords and Ladies are invited to Pontefract Castle for a week of medieval games and activities.

Make castle-themed crafts to take the medieval magic home with you.

 

A Week of Tomfoolery: Monday 14 August to Saturday 19 August

10am to 3pm each day

Free, no booking required

It’s time to get silly this summer with our jolly Jester!

Join in with funny tricks, songs and music to entertain the Lords and Ladies with your tomfoolery.

Have a go at goofy games and make medieval crafts to look the part!

 

Castle Attack and Defence: Monday 21 August to Saturday 26 August

10am to 3pm each day

Free, no booking required

Pontefract Castle is under attack and we need your help!

Learn the skills to be a Civil Wars soldier and hold the fort.

Find out the cunning ways soldiers tricked their way into the Castle – including using a bed!

Join in with games and craft with after your siege shift.

 

Unexpected Discoveries: Monday 28 August to Saturday 2 September

10am to 3pm each day

Free, no booking required

Discover the unexpected at Pontefract Castle this summer!

Join our fun interactive tour and find out about the weird and wonderful surprises the Castle holds. Get active with games on the bailey and make crafts to take home.

What will you uncover?

 

Castle Garth, Pontefract, WF8 1QH (SAT NAV WF8 2JF)


01977 723440
castles@wakefield.gov.uk
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Open daily in the school holidays & every weekend

Take a ride on the miniature railway at Pugneys Country Park! It’s a great addition to a walk around the lake and play in the adventure playground!

 

11am – 4pm (will be closed in inclement weather)

Asdale Road, Denby Dale Road, Wakefield WF2 7EQ


07885 930523
bobthebar61@gmail.com

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29th July 2023

 

Join us for a fun filled day at our 2023 Star Fest event in aid of Star Bereavement services…

 

 

A family friendly festival with live music from across Yorkshire, artisan food and stalls, face painting, games for all ages and even a bar!

Enjoy a range of live music and performances all day from 11:00am on our main stage area with seating to enjoy the day. Don’t forget your picnic blankets!

Hosted on the grounds of Camphill, Chapelthorpe a beautiful venue with new and old architecture to be explored. Camphill hosts not only beautiful buildings but an incredible outdoor space to enjoy our fun filled day with you family.

 

– Open to all ages, face painting and games all day!

– A variety of food and drink from American street food, dirty fries, and ice cream to Pimm’s and cocktails in the sun!

– Accessible to wheelchair users with ground floor access

– Free parking on site

 

Join us for a fun day in the sun (fingers crossed). Purchase your tickets now, all proceeds to Star Bereavement.

 

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

 

 



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22nd July – 4th September 2023

MUMBLER EXCLUSIVE – 15% off ALL Summer weekend and Summer Adventure tickets at Stockeld Park using code: SUNMUM23
Get ready for a day full of fun in the sun at the Summer Adventure at Stockeld Park!
Open every weekend now and EVERYDAY from the 22nd July – 4th September… Make sure to not miss out on the adventure of the summer, at one of Yorkshire’s leading adventure parks!
 
But what will the Summer Adventure offer?
  • Anytime & Fixed Playhive access
  • Underwater themed adventures
  • Outdoor Inflatables
  • Pedal Go-Karts
  • Outdoor playgrounds
  • Ride-on Tractors
  • Access to the Enchanted Forest
  • Access to the Magical Maze
And so much more!
It truly is going to be a Summer to remember! 
 
Tickets for the Summer Adventure and Summer weekends can be purchased via Stockeld Park’s website

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01937 586333
enquiries@stockeldpark.co.uk
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PRE-BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW

Click the image or link to see interactive and printable versions.

Summer holiday activities


On the Bench: Summer at Thackray

22 July- 3 September

This summer holidays, discover the playful science behind all things sport with activity for all the family. Our new exhibition ‘On the Bench’ presents you with the opportunity to learn the science behind sports. We’ll be hosting a range of free activities to get you moving and thinking!

Learn how to prevent injury with our fun and interactive warm-up sessions. You’ll have the chance to participate in activities such as hula hooping and cone stretches to discover how this will help your body loosen muscles and stay healthy.

Feeling creative? We’ve got the opportunity to design, build and test your own sports injury treatments. Take on our design challenge to create a colourful collage cast or test your skills at sling-making in our Innovation Station.

Join our team for a series of daily talks and an exploration of the fascinating objects in our collection that explore the stories of injury and recovery.

All these activities and more are free with your museum ticket.

Have budding scientists in the family that want to dive deeper? Don your safety goggles and join the Thackray Boffins as they uncover the secret science that sits behind medical innovation and discovery. Thackray Science LIVE shows will be running regularly throughout the holidays.


0113 244 4343
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24th July – 1st September 2023

 

Come and create at Castleford Museum this summer and discover more about your local history with exciting activities, crafts and trails!

We’ll have plenty to make, do and discover with a different focus each week of the holidays.

 

Amazing Archaeology: Monday 24, Tuesday 25, Thursday 27 & Friday 28* July

10am to 3pm

Free and no booking required

Castleford Museum is full of incredible objects and artefacts – many of which were hidden in the ground until archaeologists dug them up.

But what do archaeologists actually do, and what can we learn about the past by looking at objects?

Learn how to piece the past together through hands-on activities as we celebrate the Festival of Archaeology.

*Friday 28 July: SEND families are always welcome at all of our sessions but we are running this SEND session for those groups who require a more relaxed atmosphere.

The session will be run with more sensory activities, more focus on independent learning, a lower light level and with a sensory tent and ear defenders available upon request.

 

Snapshots of the Past: Monday 31 July, Tuesday 1 August, Thursday 3 August & Friday 4* August

10am to 3pm

Free and no booking required

This week we’re looking at local photographer Jack Hulme and how he documented his everyday life through some fascinating photographs.

Travel back into some of the moments captured in time and create a personalised scrapbook to make a record of your everyday life today!

*Friday 4 August: SEND families are always welcome at all of our sessions but we are running this SEND session for those groups who require a more relaxed atmosphere.

The session will be run with more sensory activities, more focus on independent learning, a lower light level and with a sensory tent and ear defenders available upon request.

 

Seasides: Monday 7 August, Tuesday 8 August and Thursday 10 August*

10am to 3pm

Free and no booking required

How do you like to spend time in the summer? Do you think it’s the same or different to people in the past?
Discover some old games and activities and get crafty making your own board game to take home.

*Thursday 10 August: SEND families are always welcome at all of our sessions but we are running this SEND session for those groups who require a more relaxed atmosphere.

The session will be run with more sensory activities, more focus on independent learning, a lower light level and with a sensory tent and ear defenders available upon request.

 

Perfect Pottery: Monday 14 August, Tuesday 15 August, Thursday 17 August and Friday 18 August*

10am to 3pm

Free and no booking required

Castleford was a centre of pottery making for hundreds of years, and the museum is full of examples!

Take part in activities inspired by some of the most intricate designs we have on display and learn more about how they were made.

*Friday 18 August: SEND families are always welcome at all of our sessions but we are running this SEND session for those groups who require a more relaxed atmosphere.

The session will be run with more sensory activities, more focus on independent learning, a lower light level and with a sensory tent and ear defenders available upon request.

 

Terrific Transport: Monday 21 August, Tuesday 22 August, Thursday 24 August & Friday 25 August*

10am to 3pm

Free and no booking required

Chariots, horses and bicycles! How have people throughout history travelled to work, school and gone on holiday?

Discover how people got from here to there and make your own terrific transport toys to take away.

*Friday 25 August: SEND families are always welcome at all of our sessions but we are running this SEND session for those groups who require a more relaxed atmosphere.

The session will be run with more sensory activities, more focus on independent learning, a lower light level and with a sensory tent and ear defenders available upon request.

 

Reet Good Rugby: Monday 28 August, Tuesday 29 August, Thursday 31 August & Friday 1 September*

10am to 3pm

Free and no booking required

Pop in for a look at our new exhibition about Girls’ Rugby League in Castleford, and make some rugby themed crafts!

Decorate a rainbow rugby boot, make magnetic rugby balls and create a blow rugby game.

 *Friday 1 September: SEND families are always welcome at all of our sessions but we are running this SEND session for those groups who require a more relaxed atmosphere.

The session will be run with more sensory activities, more focus on independent learning, a lower light level and with a sensory tent and ear defenders available upon request.

 

Carlton Street, Castleford, WF10 1BB


01977 722084
museums@wakefield.gov.uk
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Summer 2023

 

Embark on a summer adventure in York, where a world of captivating attractions and thrilling activities awaits!

Discover the wonders of York Minster, with a packed schedule of family-friendly events and activities designed to engage young explorers in the medieval Minster. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of iconic locomotives at the National Railway Museum, and explore over 200 years of railway history that shaped our world. Delve into York’s darkest past at The York Dungeon, and experience 2,000 years of intriguing history through sights, sounds, and even smells. Sail along the River Ouse with City Cruises York, with a variety of trips from sightseeing cruises to self-drive boats suitable for the whole family. Go on a journey through York’s rich history at the York Castle Museum, where you’ll encounter recreated Jacobean dining rooms and the renowned Victorian Street, Kirkgate.

Make your journey into the city hassle-free by taking advantage of York Park & Ride. With free parking available at all sites, it’s a convenient and cost-effective option. What’s even better, an Adult Return ticket costs just £3.60, and up to three children can travel for free!


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York Pass

Rescue! Emergency Special this summer at NCMM

22nd July – 3rd September 2023

 

Enjoy sunshine at the beach, explore the great outdoors, discover the Rescue! stories from the mines and learn about today’s emergency services in a fun filled Summer programme of events & activities!

From 22 July – 3 September 23 the museum is hosting a special programme of events to celebrate its latest exhibition Rescue! which tells the fascinating stories of men and women who worked in extraordinary conditions to save lives in the mines.

Visitors to the museum will also be able meet representatives from the different emergency services every Friday throughout the school holidays including the Red Cross, RNLI, Fire Service, Air Ambulance, Police Dogs and Mountain Rescue.

In addition, visitors can also make the most of the great outdoors with a wander through Pit Wood, play in the Adventure Playground or build sandcastles in The Beach at Hope Pit.

There will also be a daily Science Show, lots of hands-on summer making activities in the Makers’ Shed as well as science fun in Caphouse Creators or STEAM Club (every alternate week).

 

** please note closed Mondays & Tuesdays

Caphouse Colliery, Overton, WF4 4RH


01924 848806
info@ncm.org.uk
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All Creatures Great and Small

22 July- 3 September

During the school holidays, enjoy trails and activities celebrating the animals of Temple Newsam from rare breed animals at Home Farm to pet portraits in the house.

From 22 July – 13 August enjoy self-led mask making. From 15 August – 3 September use recycled materials to sculpt your very own 3D creature. All craft activities are included with general admission to the house.

 


0113 336 7460
temple.newsam.house@leeds.gov.uk
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Moving Stories Summer Celebration

Wakefield Museum is getting ready to move! We are making an exciting new Library & Museum and we want you to be part of it.

Come to Wakefield Museum for an exciting summer full of fun hands-on activities for all the family.

Tell us your stories and ideas and help us figure out what makes Wakefield district so awesome!

Discover surprising facts, see unusual objects and join in with a different theme each week of August.

 

Friday 4 August – Fabulous Festivals

10.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3pm

Free and no booking required

From rhubarb to romans, galas to street fairs, Wakefield District loves a festival!

Learn more about some of the more unusual Wakefield festivals of the past and present.Design a new fabulous festival,, and make your own festival merch to take home.

 

Friday 11 August – Moving Around 

10.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3pm

Free and no booking required

For hundreds of years Wakefield has been moving people and objects around through our unique network of rivers, roads and railways.

Join us to explore the ways people got from A to B in the past.

Be inspired to create a transport system for the future with our creative coding challenge!

 

Thursday 17 August – Entertainment

10.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3pm

Free and no booking required

Make some noise in the Merrie City’s Museum!

We love live entertainment in Wakefield.

Follow a trail and discover the different ways people entertained themselves throughout the centuries.

Get ready for your own gig by junk modelling a mini musical instrument!

 

Friday 25 August – Toys and Games

10.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3pm

Free and no booking required

Game on at Wakefield Museum!

Get hands on with toys from the past.

Play vintage games together in our 1950s living room.

Make your own game to take away and play again and again at home.

 

Friday 1 September – Time Travel

10.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3pm

Free and no booking required

We’re going on a treasure hunt through time!

Join our in-house time traveller and find out how everyday objects have changed over the centuries. Design the next big invention with our recycled modelling materials.

 

Mini Moving Stories at Wakefield Museum

Wakefield Museum is getting ready to move! We are making an exciting new Library & Museum and we want families to be part of it.

Come to Wakefield Museum for an exciting summer full of fun hands-on activities for 2-5-year-olds.

Enjoy multi-sensory storytelling as we learn all about where we live.

 

Thursday 3 August – Fabulous Festivals (2 to 5s)

10.30am and 1.30pm

Free and no booking required

From rhubarb to romans, galas to street fairs, we love a festival!

Join the party, make some noise and celebrate with some fabulous festival fun.

 

Thursday 10 August – Moving Around (2 to 5s)

10.30am and 1.30pm

Free and no booking required

Trains, cars, bikes and boats help us to move around!

Move, make, carry and spin in a session all about transporting things from one place to another.

 

Wednesday 16 August – Entertainment (2 to 5s)

10.30am and 1.30pm

Free and no booking required

Bring along your mini musicians and movie stars!

We’re putting on a show with masks, puppets and costumes.

Explore the world of live entertainment, theatre and song together with us.

 

Thursday 24 August – Toys and Games (2 to 5s)

10.30am and 1.30pm

Free and no booking required

Let’s play!

This week we’re opening the toybox from the past.

What would happen if the toys in the Museum came to life?

Find out and make your own mini toys to take home!

 

Thursday 31 August – Time Travel (2 to 5s)

10.30am and 1.30pm

Let’s travel back in time together! Join us to experiment with textures, sounds and smells from the past*. Which will be your favourite?

*This workshop includes touching different herbs and experimenting with scented materials- please let us know if are planning to attend and you have any allergies.

 

Wakefield One, Burton Street, Wakefield, WF1 2EB

 


01924 302104
museums@wakefield.gov.uk
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25th – 28th August 2023

 

Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta is well known for being the ultimate weekend of sensational live music, family entertainment and hot air balloons. This year, they have announced some incredible artists including Sam Ryder, Ella Henderson, Toploader, Blue, Joel Corry, Diversity, Sister Sledge and many more.

This family festival will also host some popular children’s entertainers too – including Andy & The Odd Socks, YolanDa’s Band Jam, Brainiac Live, Justin Fletcher, Dick & Dom and Cosmic Kids Yoga.

Included in each ticket will be entry to the event to watch these sensational live musicians, the family roller rink, the ravertots big top, children’s arts & crafts tents and the arena entertainment – including Stunt World, Dingle Fingle Comedy Car the BMX Show and all balloon related entertainment (weather permitting.)

Balloon pilots travel from across the country (and some from Europe) to attend this festival. They are hoping to have a mass balloon launch on every evening of the event, and a picture-perfect night glow performance on the first three nights of the event too

 

Held over Friday 25th – Monday 28th – this weekend is not to be missed out on.

Use code: MUMBLER25 to get 25% off the price of your tickets.


01904 202761
hello@yorkshireballoonfiesta.co.uk
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Anglers Country Park

anglers country park

Anglers Country Park draws families from afar for so many different reasons. A calming walk around the lake, a lovely bike around on the flat path or a casual stroll with a pushchair.

(more…)

Another World Adventure Centre

Family days out with fun activities at our outdoor activity centre

Activities from 4 years to adults

Ogden, North Halifax, HX2 8YB

Birchfield Maize Maze, Harrogate

From 21st July 2023

Work your way through the maize maze completing the quiz as you go! As well as the Maize Maze there are plenty of other things to do at Birchfield Farm located just outside Harrogate in Summerbridge including, Sunflower mini maze, Woodland Walk and Den Building Area, Pedal Go-Karts, Sandpit, Straw Bale Mountain, Bouncy Castle, Crazy Caterpillar Barrel Ride and Guinea pig petting.

Why not try their delicious ice cream, made on the farm or stop by for a nice brunch or lunch in the Jersey Barn

 

Birchfield Farm, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4JS

Bolton Abbey iSpy

Download your free I Spy card or collect a card from the Cavendish Shop. Spot the pictures on the card as you follow one of the trails around Strid Wood. Who will be the first to get four in a line? (more…)

Bolton Abbey Pirate Ship and Pop up Beach

Saturday 1st July – Sunday 3rd September 2023

Our magnificent pirate ship will be returning from the high seas this summer and will be moored on the ‘pop-up’ beach on the bank of the River Wharfe, outside the Cavendish Pavilion.

Let your little ones imagine they have taken to the high seas by captaining our wooden galleon. Once on deck little pirates can enjoy the ship’s slide, climbing net, climbing wall, pirates’ pole and ship’s wheel! And of course there is space to build sandcastles galore!

Pirate Ship is included in the Estate’s admission fee – we advise parking in the Riverside car park to easily access the Pirate Ship

Bolton Abbey Welly Walk

27th May – 29th October 2023

Our Welly Walk leads you from the stepping stones to the Cavendish Pavilion cafe, taking in bridges, grassland, ancient woodland and riverside paths.

Children will encounter lots of fun obstacles along the way. Let your little ones put their balance skills to the test, scramble up nets, navigate the pole-to-pole and try their hardest to keep clean as they come down the slides!

Entry to the Welly Walk is included with car parking ticket. 

 

Boston Park Farm and Tearooms

Boston Park Farm is still a traditional working farm. The animal trail allows children to get up close with a wide range of farm animals.

Enjoy the outdoor climbing frames, swings, slides, Go-Karts, mud kitchens, Bouncy Castle, Sandpit and bale pyramid to climb, plus indoor soft play area, suitable for children up to 8 years old. During the summer months, you can also get lost in a huge Maize Maze.

Tickets must be booked in advance

Open every day from 10am-4pm (until 5pm in summer holidays)

Boston Park Farm, Bawtry Road, Hatfield Woodhouse, Doncaster DN7 6DS

Cannon Hall Farm

Cannon Hall Farm opened to the public for the first time in 1989. Since that time there has been adventure playgrounds, gift shop, farm shop, two restaurants and an indoor playground added. It is now one of the largest farm attractions in the UK and the winner of many awards.

Cannon Hall Farm,Cawthorne, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 4AT. Tel: 01226 790427

Castle Howard Skelf Island Adventure Playground

A day out with the kids at Castle Howard just became even more adventurous and intriguing. Now they can join into the treetops of Yorkshire’s newest adventure playground, Skelf Island.

Ingenious treetop nest structures connected by rope bridges, slides, nets and climbing equipment will allow the Skelves to take young visitors on an adventure like no other.

Skelf Island is included in a gardens ticket.

Pre-booking required.

Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA. Tel: 01653 648333

Child Friendly Walks in Wakefield

We’ve picked some of our favourite family friendly walks in Wakefield – featuring woods, ponds, ducks, nature reserves and places it’s easy to push a buggy!!

 

Read our recommendations here 

 

 

 

 

 

Clip ‘n Climb Garforth

Clip ‘n Climb Garforth is a healthy, action-packed climbing experience. We use state-of-the art automatic belaying technology so that climbers can simply clip into the safety system and climb the Challenge in front of them. We have over 25 different Challenges and our amazing Vertical Drop Slide, something for everyone, regardless of age or aptitude.

Unit 2A1, Clip n Climb East Side Retail Park, Aberford Rd, Garforth, Leeds LS25 2EB

Dalby the Great Yorkshire Forest

Dalby Forest, managed by the Forestry Commission, offers over 8,000 acres of woodland to explore, enjoy and discover, including the Grand Father Oak play area for children, family BBQ and picnic areas, adrenalin activities for the thrill seekers and walking and cycling trails for all.

Admission free, just pay to park (£9 per car)

Dalby Forest Visitor Centre, Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire, YO18 7LT. Tel: 01751 460295.

Go Ape at Temple Newsam

The perfect family day out in the forest!

Go Ape’s first high-ropes experience in West Yorkshire, set within 1500 acres of parkland, the aerial adventures at Temple Newsam can be found in the heart of Menagerie Wood featuring challenging obstacles as increasing heights, a free-fall Tarzan Swing, four tree-to-tree zips and a 46ft sheer drop called The Plummet. It is a vertical drop experience that will leave you feeling seriously exposed. It’s a true leap of faith!

Phone: 01603 895500

 

Hemsworth Water Park

I have a strong memory of visiting Hemsworth Water Park as a child with my Auntie. We didn’t live in the area so we had never been before. We had a great time, now that we live nearby I can’t wait to tale mini Mumbler here this summer, it looks even better now and has had some investment no doubt.

Opening Times Easter to the End of September

Playworld Open from 9:30am to 6:00pm on weekends and school holidays. Open from 11:00am to 6:00pm term time. Please note that Playworld is open in the October holidays from 10am to 3pm.

All opening times are subject to weather. During periods of changeable weather please ring 01977 617617 to confirm availability.

Concessions for local residents:
Residents of Hemsworth, Fitzwilliam or Kinsley are entitled to a permit for a reduction in the cost of some of the facilities that are available at the Water Park.

Hepworth Gallery

The Hepworth Wakefield is your space to explore, play and create together. New Explore & Draw packs have been created for families to explore our artworks, galleries and garden with specially devised looking and drawing activities!

Gallery Walk, Wakefield WF1 5AW. Open daily 10am – 5pm

 

Leeds Bear Hunt 2023

Leeds Bear Hunt will bring the magic of Michael Rosen’s iconic children’s book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, to life with a blaze of colour and creativity.

From 1st July 2023, more than 50 giant Bear sculptures will hide in plain sight for ten weeks on the streets and within the parks of Leeds, highlighting iconic spots and hidden gems, whilst engaging with our local communities.

Together, the Bears will form a family-friendly trail of discovery for local people and visitors to enjoy and explore. The free outdoor trail is open to everyone and we hope that as many people as possible will explore all or parts of the fully accessible trail.

Each Bear has a story to tell through its design by a local, national and international artist, designer or illustrator, and sponsorship by a business or individual.

Read more here

Magna Science Adventure Centre

Be immersed in the sights and sounds of the history of steel making and explore the incredible interactive pavilions of Fire, Water, Earth and Air crammed with fascinating hands-on activities. Let off steam in Aqua-Tek, one of the UK’s largest outdoor water play areas and Sci-Tek, one of Europe’s largest outdoor playgrounds.

Magna, Sheffield Road, Templeborough, Rotherham, S60 1DX. Tel: 01709 720 002

Mother Shipton’s Pirates and Mermaids

22nd July – 3rd September 2023, 9.30am-4.30pm (last admission 4pm)

Tickets will be released soon.

Pre-booked tickets only.

Prophecy House, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD. Tel: 01423 864600

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Get your Big 50 ‘Bucket List’ booklet when you collect tickets at the Booking Office at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, tick off as many Bucket List items as you can over the Summer 2023 School Holidays and visit an NYMR Shop to collect your Top Fan or Super Fan badge. £45 adult annual pass, kids go FREE.

Pickering Station, Park St, Pickering YO18 7AJ

Northwood Trail – England’s Fairy Sanctuary

Northwood Trail is nestled in a 100 acre wood at Buttercrambe close to York and this delightful woodland fairy sanctuary is the first of its kind in the world. The eco-aware sanctuary is off grid and, quite uniquely, designed to appeal to adults as much as children. As well as a beautiful woodland trail, it also includes an intriguing Fairy Museum, to display what is believed to be the world’s largest collection of fairy artefacts, collected over many years by owners Carolyn and Christian.

Limited pre allocated slots making for a calmer experience.

Outskirts of York, YO41 1AP.

Oakwell Hall Country Park – Summer

The play area and Oak Tree Café at Oakwell Hall are open with take out service between 10am and 4.30pm with a one-way system in place.  There is also a fantastic mountain bike trail for more confident riders.

Free. No Booking Required.

Oakwell Hall Country Park, Nutter Lane, Birstall, WF17 9LG

Places to learn to ride a bike around Wakefield

Whether you’ve got a little legs on a balance bike or a bike with stabilisers, there’s lots of places around Wakefield that will help beginner cyclists build up their confidence with learning to ride a bike!

Read our recommendations here

 

Reel Cinemas

Reel Cinemas brings you amazing films at bargain prices!!!!

Tickets are priced £3.99 for an adult or child before 1pm!

What a bargain! Oh and you get free parking at The Ridings Centre too!!

 

The Ridings Shopping Centre, Wakefield, WF1 1DS

RSPB Fairburn Ings & St Aidan’s

You can enjoy the beauty of the lake on a circular walk at any time. There are always plenty of opportunities to spot birds and wildlife.

The visitors centre and small cafe

Children can take part in pond dipping during Spring & Summer months

 

9:30am – 4pm

Access is free, parking charges apply

Newton Lane, Castleford, WF10 2BH

South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum

Open everyday throughout the school holidays. The museum is very  child friendly, including a play room!

The Museum is on an old RAF base and the majority of planes are in the hangar, which is a piece of history in itself and if your little one has ever read Grandpa’s Great Escape, they’ll love it here.

South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum, Dakota Way, Airbourne Road, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN4 7FB. (Please note, use DN4 7NW or Dakota Way for Sat Nav)

Stump Cross Caverns

Stump Cross Caverns is an ancient natural cave formation deep underneath the Yorkshire Dales. As well as the caves, they’ve also got a cinema, cafe, time out private dining pod, shop and visitor centre on site.  They are located  on the B6265 between Pateley Bridge and Grassington and open seven days a week (9am-6pm).  They run special offers throughout the year – so check out their website for latest offers!

Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge HG3 5JL

Summer adventures at Wentworth Castle Gardens

Whatever the weather, we’ve got everything you need for an unforgettable family day out. Discover seasonal displays around the gardens, watch wildlife in the parkland or just burn off some energy in the great outdoors.

Park Dr, Barnsley S75 3EN

Summer at Fairburn Ings

Borrow one of our Wildlife Explorer backpacks to discover more about the wildlife around Fairburn Ings – or have a go at pond dipping, and find out what lurks beneath the surface of our ponds! Backpacks and pond dipping kit are available to hire daily from the visitor centre – £3 each.

Takeaway snacks, drinks, and ice creams are available from our visitor centre

RSPB Fairburn Ings Visitor Centre, Newton Ln, Castleford, WF10 2BH

Summer at Woldies Way Lavender & Nature Farm

Enjoy the outdoors together at the Beautiful Lavender & Nature Farm, with seasonal activities ensuring a brilliant day out for all the family. With the giant willow games maze, football golf, den zone building, miniature railway and much more, give yourself plenty of time to visit.

 

Wolds Way Lavender, Wintringham, Malton, YO17 8HW (Just of the A64 between Malton & Scarborough)

Swithens Farm

Here at Swithens Farm, we have a huge range of animals for you to see and interact with. Your little ones, and probably you also, will be happy as the pigs in muck as you get involved with feeding and learning about the care and husbandry on a real working farm. We have a whole host of stars for you to meet including cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, emus, meerkats, turtles, rabbits and guinea pigs.

 

Swithen’s Lane, Rothwell, Leeds LS26 0BT

 

 

The Deep

With over 5000 animals, including spectacular sharks and rays, the UK’s only Green sawfish, hundreds of tropical fish, Loggerhead sea turtles and a colony of Gentoo penguins, there’s something for everyone.

Tower Street, Hull, HU1 4DP (Sat Nav HU9 1TU) Open daily 9am – 6pm (last entry 5pm).

Totally Roarsome Yorkshire

Back again for Summer 2023, an outdoor, woodland adventure trail for the whole family

Take a stroll through their magical trail of dinosaurs, wild animals, mythical creatures and superheroes!!

Venue: Hazelwood Castle, Tadcaster

Tickets go on sale: soon

Opening: July 2023

 

Paradise Lane, Leeds, Tadcaster LS24 9NJ

 

Wakefield Libraries Events

There’s a summer chock full of exciting activities across all Wakefield District libraries
👇 Scroll down for booking details for each branch!
📚 Airedale Library – Call 01977 724040 or email Airedalelibrary@wakefield.gov.uk to book
📚 Featherstone Library – Call 01977 722745 or email featherstonelibrary@wakefield.gov.uk
📚 Horbury Library – Call 01924 303060 or email horburylibrary@wakefield.gov.uk
📚 Pontefract Library – Visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/wakefield-libraries, for Cinema in the Library events call 01977 727692
📚 Sandal Library – call 01924 303355 or email sandallibrary@wakefield.gov.uk
📚 South Elmsall Library – Visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/wakefield-libraries To book on Happy, Healthy Holidays events call 01977 723220
📚 Stanley Library – Call 01924 303130 or email stanleylibrary@wakefield.gov.uk

York Chocolate Story – Summer Holidays

Bring your family to Visit England’s quality assured visitor attraction, and discover the stories behind the greatest names in chocolate. Unwrap the secrets of chocolate making, and even learn the art of the chocolatier for yourself. A fully guided tour and three floors of interactive exploration take you on a journey through the city where chocolate made history. Indulge yourselves in our café, with it’s delicious chocolate menu and shop from some of Britain’s finest confections stocked in our shop.

King’s Square, York, YO1 7LD

Yorkshire Wildlife Park Roar and Snore Campsite

Escape to the great outdoors this Summer

Experience a traditional wild camping escape in the heart of nature at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Campers of all ages can enjoy an unforgettable fun family night (or two) under the stars. Get special rates for park tickets and book an after-hours safari tour.

Phone (01302) 535057

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